Key Takeaways From John Mara’s Media Availability

New York Giants owner John Mara met with the media this past Thursday for the first time since March, and two days after the final episode of Hard Knocks aired. Two of the biggest topics he was asked about were Saquon Barkley bolting down the New Jersey Turnpike to the archrival Philadelphia Eagles, and the Giants' decision to stick with Daniel Jones under center.

Let’s break down the biggest takeaways from Mara's media session.

Saquon Barkley Saga

Mara echoed what we saw during Hard Knocks, saying that he was not thrilled about letting Barkley walk in free agency, especially to the Eagles. However, he understands the rationale behind the decision and believes in Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll’s vision for the future of Big Blue. I cannot kill the Giants for not bringing back Saquon, despite how much it stings that he went to a division rival.

First, he has been injury-prone and missed multiple games in four of his six years in New York. The Giants also had more pressing positions to address, like the offensive line to protect Daniel Jones. It would have made no sense for Schoen to match the Eagles’ offer of $37.75 million with that in mind. It only works for Philadelphia to overpay for Saquon because they are further along than New York and believe they are close to a Super Bowl.

It is also worth pointing out that Schoen and the Giants offered Saquon a multi-year deal at the bye week two seasons ago worth $12.5 million per year, and then bumped it up to $13 million a year with a chance to get to $14 million through incentives. Saquon rejected both offers.

The Giants quickly pivoted in the running back room by signing Devin Singletary to a three-year, $16.5 million deal that can go up to $19.5 million. Singletary is a cheaper option than Saquon ($21.25 million less) and is familiar with Brian Daboll’s system having played for him in Buffalo for three years. It is also interesting to note that Singletary has a higher yards per carry at 4.6 than Saquon’s 4.3.